Colorado Matters

Until he died in a shooting at STEM Highlands Ranch last spring, Kendrick Castillo was an avid member of its robotics team. Last week, his father paid the group a visit. Also, taking plastic out of to-go cups and can rings. Then, a commuter train from Pueblo to Fort Collins? And, a new “old” fruit at market. Plus, kids join parents at an artistic residency.

Plastic. It's literally raining from the sky -- this is Plastics Week on Colorado Matters. We begin with a Colorado Wonders question: How to reduce the amount of plastic in our lives? Then, a look at a new book, "Peak Plastic: The Rise Or Fall Of Our Synthetic World."

An author went from a traumatic encounter with to advocating for grizzly bears, and wrote a book about his experiences. Then, that time when the federal government tried fracking...with a nuclear bomb. And, David Thompson was a great NBA player -- but drugs made his career a tale of what might have been. A novel explores McElmo Canyon in SW Colorado.

Perspectives from a Republican strategist about this summer's spate of unsuccessful recall efforts. Then, the reason Colorado once closed its southern border. Plus, revisiting "An Unbelievable Story of Rape" as Netflix launches a new series. And, before the nation's first Latino Beer Festival, a visit to two breweries in Denver.

As Congress takes up the issue of gun violence, we meet the man behind “The Denver Accord," a package of research-backed policies he hopes will resonate. Then, Colorado ranks high on a list of states for markups in health care pricing. Plus, a Colorado archeologist who makes researching the past more inclusive, especially for Native Americans.

Opioids get a lot of attention, but Colorado has a meth problem too, and it's getting worse. Today, the extent of the problem, efforts to treat the addiction, and a discussion with a man who was addicted and now counsels others. Then, are the cicadas prolific this year? Plus, making sure the boot isn't abused, and previewing the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders looks to repeat his 2016 primary victory in Colorado, while Michael Bennet debates his viability in the Democratic Presidential race. Former Denver Bronco Ryan Harris says the team will be better this season with winning experience at quarterback. Plus, why is that confounded device on your car called the Denver Boot?

Claudia Valdez Sandoval inspired a state law limiting police cooperation with ICE but she faces an uncertain future. A CU researcher plans to get stuck in arctic ice. Plus, inside the HAATS training facility. A cyclist takes on the Continental Divide to track climate change. Also, opening the outdoors to everyone, and the origin of the CU-Nebraska rivalry.

CU researchers say the fires in the Amazon this year are especially concerning. Then, as the Air Force Academy's chapel starts renovation, a look back at Lowry Air Force Base's church. And, Colorado's new poet laureate takes a trip through his north Denver neighborhood. Finally, Steep Canyon Rangers bring their award-winning bluegrass to Red Rocks.

A reporter looks into the origins of the mysterious illness linked to vaping. Then, making sure two car bombings in Boulder that killed Chicano student activists aren’t forgotten. Also, Mike Johnston says his priority now is electing a Democrat to replace Cory Gardner. Plus, Colorado cycling legend Jonathan Vaughters, on repairing the sport's reputation.